Greetings all! Thanks for clicking; I hope you enjoy. Sorry that this chapter took a while. School keeps me busy, unfortunately. Plus there's been a lot of birthdays in my family lately. Yadda yadda.
Anyways, I've been totally digging everyone's comments. I love watching people analyze my plot and characters. If you're ever confused by the family ties, feel free to check out the interactive family tree I have created for ya'll. There's a link in my signature. Also feel free to PM or email me at hmrnd3@aim.com (if you're reading this and do not have a MTS account). I appreciate any and all ratings, comments, and thank yous! So, without further delay...

SIM STATE UNIVERSITY

It was party time at Sim State university; graduation party time. The Pinenut Plaza dorms were filled with music and balloons for a triple graduation celebration. Destiny Goth, Felix Pleasant, and Henry Broke had taken their final exams and were well on their way to careers and families. In the middle of the party, Felix decided to make a spectacle of himself and his new girlfriend Eden by surprise proposing. Nobody payed much mind to the show, well aware of Felix’s recent betrayal to Destiny. Destiny, however, looked on sorrowfully while watching her niece and best friend accept the proposal of her ex boyfriend.


They hugged and kissed while Destiny stormed off to the cafeteria for a drink. I don’t need a man. I don’t need Eden. It’s just me now. I don’t care. I do not care. She replayed the self empowering message again and again in her head while watching the red cup fill with fizzy purple drink. Her eyes filled with hot tears as she tried to convince herself it didn’t hurt. She chugged down the juice, not stopping for air. Just get through this party, then you never have to see any of these people again.
She downed the last of the juice and looked grimly into the bottom of the empty cup. Before she could fill it up again, a voice from behind her faintly said, “Well hello there, Cinderella.”


Startled, Destiny dropped her plastic cup and spun on her heels only to see the mysterious young man from the park. His eyes twinkled slyly as hers lit up and her smiled widened. “Hey! It's you!” She said loudly, not knowing what else to say. The pair looked at each other with excitement and bewilderment, trying to find the right words. “Uh…what are you doing here?!”
Lorenzo laughed. “Well I’m graduating today; I’m the only one left in my house. Word on the street is that the Pinenut Plaza dorms are throwing a huge grad party. Rather than sitting around home alone I figured I’d come check it out. Little did I know I’d see you here.”


Destiny smiled brightly. “Well I’m certainly glad you did. This party has been a drag so far. There’s just three of us leaving. Me, my ex, and a friend of mine.”
Lorenzo chuckled. “Your ex?”
Destiny nodded. “Yes. The one who left me for my niece.” She pursed her lips uncomfortably.
“Hey, what happened to choosing happiness and living for yourself?”
Destiny looked at her shoes. “Yeah…that was going well. Until I just watched him propose to her.”
Lorenzo winced. “I’m sorry.”


Destiny was quiet for a moment and then shook her head as if to clear it. “Hey, you know what? It’s okay. You’re here now, and you’ve reminded me of my new goals. I’m not going to waste my time with these people anymore after graduation. I’m gone. Hell, I might not even go back to Pleasantview. I’m going to change my whole look. Maybe my name. Who knows!?”
Lorenzo laughed. “Whoa, settle down there! I never even knew your original name.”


Lorenzo grabbed Destiny’s hand smoothly and smiled at her. “I’m Lorenzo. It’s nice to finally meet you.”
Destiny blushed. Lorenzo’s smile took her breath away. She wanted to tell him her name, but that would jeopardize all her plans. She wanted to leave, to move on to bigger and better things without being tied down to anyone. But something, a feeling deep in her heart, told her to take the plunge. “I’m Destiny.”


Lorenzo smirked. “Really?"
Destiny nodded, suprised by his reaction. “Yeah…why?”
Lorenzo shook his head, laughing. “It’s just so…ironic. I mean, it’s obvious we’re destined to be together.”
Destiny blushed and looked at Lorenzo sheepishly until the two burst out in laughter. “That’s too cheesy for me to handle right now" She tugged back on Lorenzo's hand. "Let’s get out of here.”
Lorenzo winked. “I’m right behind you.”

DREAMER

Cassandra Dreamer held her grandson Liam close to her chest while looking into his big, blue eyes. They were same eyes her late husband, Darren Dreamer had. Liam was the only thing keeping Cassandra going since Darren’s death. Now, it was time for Liam to grow into a child. It was a bittersweet day for Cassandra, and Liam’s parents as well.


Cassandra still wasn’t ready for any large celebrations, so the small family of four gathered in the dining room to cheer for Liam. After he blew out his candles with the help of Grandma Cassie, Liam stood up on his wobbly legs and braced himself for the transformation.


Surrounded by the love and cheers of his family, Liam sprang into action as a very cute young boy. He admired his new and improved hands with a smile before helping himself to some celebratory cake. After a quiet birthday dinner and dessert, everyone kissed Liam goodnight and headed to bed. Nobody felt the same without Darren, and it didn’t seem right to be celebrating just yet.


Asleep and alone in her bed, Cassandra dreamed of Darren. They were young again, kissing passionately on her old bed, in her old room at the Goth mansion. She was aware it wasn’t real in the dream, but she wanted to hold on to the fantasy as long as she could. Her heart ached as dream Darren kissed her and caressed her back; how she longed to have him back in her arms. A phone started ringing, causing the night vision to slowly fade. The ringing grew louder as Cassandra felt her body return to her own bed with pink sheets. “Wake up, Cassie. Wake up.” Darren whispered in her ear.


Cassandra finally awoke and sat up in bed. She wiped tears from her eyes as she got her bearings. What a strange dream. Why would I dream about being back in the old house? Cassandra sat still a moment, and then heard the phone ringing again. Realizing it was her cell phone and not part of the dream, she sat up and snatched it off the dresser.


Cassandra brought the phone to her ear while flicking on a small lamp. “H-hello?” She wondered who would be calling in the middle of the night.
A gruff, male voice answered. “Hello, ma’m. Sorry to disturb you at this hour. Is this Mrs. Cassandra Dreamer?”
Cassandra rubbed her forehead. “Uhm yes, this is. Who’s calling?


"Ma’m, this is the Pleasantview fire marshall. I’m afraid I have some bad news.”
Cassandra’s eyes went wide. “Fire marshall?”
“Yes ma’m. I’ve been in touch with the chief of the Pleasantview fire department. There’s been a suspicious fire at the residence 165 Sim Lane. It’s currently under investigation. I believe you’re the owner of that home?”
Cassandra’s heart began to pound. “Well, no. I used to own it…I sold it to my brother. The papers are still being sorted out. That doesn’t matter! My brother and his wife live there! Are they okay?!”
The fire marshall’s line was silent for a moment before he sighed and cleared his throat. “Mrs. Dreamer, I don’t know how to tell you this. There were no survivors, or remains found in the home. The emergency call was placed from a neighbor. The fire was very large though, and most of the home has been destroyed. Anyone who would have been inside the home at the time of the fire…well, it’s highly unlikely they could have survived.”

PLEASANT

Daniel Pleasant hobbled to his front door at the sound of his doorbell. He peeked through the glass to see his son, Felix, who was a recent graduate of Sim State university. Felix waved and smiled at his elderly father while rocking back and forth on his heels. Daniel fumbled with the lock, eager to give his only son a hug.


Daniel finally managed to open the door and Felix stepped in. The men smiled widely at each other and went in for a big embrace. “My boy!” Daniel cried out. He was beyond happy to have his son moving back in with him for his final days.
Felix smiled and squeezed his father tightly. “Dad! It’s great to see you!”
“You look great, son. I see you've taken my advice on facial hair." Felix chuckled and Daniel looked at his son with a far away look in his eyes. "You look so much like your mother."


Felix released from the hug. “Oh, Dad…” the men grew quiet at the mention of Mary-Sue. “How are you doing, Dad?”
Daniel’s smile dropped off his face. “It’s been…hard. Harder than I expected. I’m used to her leaving, you know? But before…I always hoped she’d come back.” Daniel hung his head and Felix stood silently, not knowing what to say. Daniel’s eyes suddenly lit up again as he clapped his hands. “Where’s that girl of yours? Destiny, was it?”


Felix raised his eyebrows. “Oh uh…we broke up. But I’m with somebody else now. Engaged actually. Her name is Eden.”
Daniel looked puzzled. “Eden? Engaged? What was wrong with Destiny?!”
Felix chuckled a little. “Oh Dad, nothing was wrong with her. We just weren’t good together. Eden is driven, a career woman. We both want great careers and wealth. Destiny just wanted to pop out babies her whole life and settle down.”
Daniel sighed. “Felix, come into the kitchen with me and have a seat. We need to talk.”


The two men walked into the kitchen solemnly. Felix scratched his head. “Dad, I don’t understand. What’s wrong?”
Daniel pulled out his chair. “You need to learn something about career women.”
Felix sat down in the chair across from his father. “Okay…what about them?”
Daniel sighed. “You’re so much like your mother. You have so much to learn if you don’t want to end up like...us.”


Felix tried to play along with his father's antics. “Oh c’mon, Dad. Just say it.”
“Alright. Here is goes. These career women, at first, they seem glorious and unstoppable. You love their drive, their passion, their competitiveness. Soon, you’ll have a family and unfortunately, none of that passion will apply to your children or you. They’re driven by money and you’ll be eternally placed on the back burner. Those women are fun to be with, but not the kind of women you want to marry and raise a family with. You want a women who will always be by your side and always love her children.”
Felix blew some air threw his mouth and laughed a little. “Wow, Dad. That was…sexist. I think you’re overreacting.”


“Son, I’m not trying to be sexist. I’m sure Eden is a great girl and will make a hell of a career for herself. I know you’re wired like that too so you know, maybe it’ll work out. You must always remember though…family comes first. Anybody who lives and believes otherwise is going to have a lifetime of struggle and unhappiness. That’s what happened to your mother and I. I don’t want that kind of life for you.”
Felix nodded. “Okay, Dad.”
Daniel smiled halfheartedly, feeling like his son wasn't understanding him. “I love you, Felix.”
"I love you too, Dad."


The next few days went by smoothly. Daniel and Felix lived side by side, going to work and relaxing at home without mentioning Eden or Mary-Sue. Still, Felix couldn’t get his father’s words out of his mind. Eyes closed in the shower, he replayed their conversation on his first day back form college. Family comes first. Would he and Eden really suffer from their career driven paths? Maybe it’s best if we just don’t have children. A shriek from the living room broke Felix’s train of thought. He froze, the warm water rushing over his body, and called out for Daniel. “Dad? Are you okay?” When there was no reply, Felix hopped out of the shower and threw on his clothes.


Felix rushed into the living room and saw his father sitting on the couch, shaking. He looked fearfully at something behind his son. Felix felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end as an ominous whooshing sound grew closer and closer behind him. His jumped and began to shake. Too fearful to turn around and face the Reaper, Felix’s eyes grew wide while he watched his father. “Dad…no…” He buried his face in his hands and began to cry as the Reaper raised his mighty scythe.


The Grim Reaper hovered past Felix and over to Daniel while stretching out his bony finger. Daniel watched in horror and then relief as Grim handed him a tropical drink and suitcase. He smiled, suddenly filled with peace. He whispered, “Mary-Sue! I’m on my way, babe!” before fading away against the periwinkle wall paper.

BROKE

It was time for a double birthday in the Broke house. Brandi and Benjamin Long swung their twin granddaughters, Flora and Fauna, back and forth in front of their pink cakes. The little girls blew out their candles before they were placed on the floor and cheered for by their parents, grandparents, and aunt and uncle.


As soon as the girls became children, Angela squealed with delight and raced them upstairs to dress them in matching pink and purple outfits. Her three daughters were the apple of her eye, and she adored dressing them up like little dolls. The twins sat on the couch, bored stiff with their birthday party until big sister Rose rescued them. The sisters dressed in their pajamas and ran into their pink bedroom for a wild sleepover complete with pillow fighting.


Rose was a great big sister. She led Flora and Fauna in everything, keeping them happy and safe. Angela recognized her daughters feats, and was astounded at how much Rose reminded her of her headstrong cousin, Lucy. She loved Rose dearly, and depended on her help. After the twins’ birthday, Angela brought Rose to the cemetery to visit Mary-Sue and Daniel’s graves. “Now Rosie, you’re the big sister and you're very good at it. You always keep your sisters in line and look out for them. You make me so proud of how loyal you are to your family. That’s part of the reason I brought you here today, to visit Grandpa and Grandma. The twins were too small when they died to remember. But I know you remember them, and they loved you very much.”


Rose hugged her mother tightly. “I know, Mommy. I loved them too and I’m happy to visit them. I’ll always look out for our family.”
Angela smiled and wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. “That’s my girl.”
Before Angela and Rose could release their embrace, Lilith and Liam walked up to the grave. Lilith gave her sister a small, awkward wave. “Hey, Angela.”


Angela looked at her twin, surprised to see her at their parents’ grave. They hadn’t seen each other since Darren and Cassandra’s anniversary party, when Dirk had insisted Lilith invite Angela. They hadn’t spoken at the party and before that, had only caught glimpses of each other at family events like graduations and weddings. Angela grew uncomfortable. “Lilith…what are you doing here?”
Lilith squirmed, knowing she was somewhat unwelcome. “I just came to see Mom and Dad…tell Liam about them.”


Angela snorted and whispered so the children wouldn't hear. “Tell him what? How much you hated them, how you put them through hell, or how you never spoke to them after you moved in with Aunt Jennifer? Did they even know Liam existed?”
Lilith frowned. “I…don’t know. I didn’t…they never met him.” Liam detected his mother's sadness and looked on at her and his aunt discerningly.
Angela smirked, feeling somewhat victorious. “Well Lilith, you got your wish.” She nodded at her parents’ tombstones. “You wanted them out of your life. Here they are.”


Angela watched as tears filled her sister's eyes. She’d never seen Lilith cry, ever. She started to regret her harsh words; perhaps she’d taken it too far. But isn't this Lilith’s fault? How dare she show her face here after everything.
“You know what, Angela…” Lilith paused and placed her hands on her hips. “You win.” With that, she took Liam’s hand and led him out of the cemetery.

TO BE CONTINUED